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Anyone who has owned a Spectrum is likely to have played Jet-Pac, a two-dimensional space game. Jet Fighter is the new version, available exclusively for the Archimedes. You play the role of a lost spaceman in his quest to reach higher levels. Armed with a laser and a jet-powered backpack you must first build yourself a rocket.

The setting for level one is a planet whose atmosphere covers roughly nine screens. The ground is covered with mountains, lakes, palm trees and cacti, and it's inhabited by many weird creatures, and falling 3.5" discs. Okay, so the game isn't as logical as some.

There are various platforms floating in space on which - on the first level - pieces of rocket can be found. Pick them up and fly over the rocket assembly base, and the pieces float gently down to become a rocket. Once this is done, you must collect fuel; then the rocket is ready for action. Climb on board and take your seat (or rather stand up with your stomach held in) and away you go to the next planet.

Your jet fighter is controlled entirely by mouse - and there's a built-in hint routine activated by the middle button. There are many different nasties to shoot, and bonuses to collect. The sprites are nicely detailed, the action is smooth and the control is very easy. But... once again, this is all that's on offer. It's typical of Minerva to make the objective virtually impossible not to achieve. The idea of a built-in 'hinter' makes the whole thing too easy. Unfortunately, this game must take the thumbs down.